Siting and Permitting Wind Farms

October 19, 2010

DeKalb County, Illinois, recently approved a large, commercial wind farm, the first in the county and the largest single zoning action in its history. The wind farm consists of 151 turbines covering an area of approximately 22,000 acres.

Paul Miller, AICP, from DeKalb County discussed the review process for this proposal, highlighting the issues raised by objectors to the project as well as responses and adopted solutions. His presentation included lessons learned and recommendations for other jurisdictions considering wind farm proposals.

About the Speaker

Paul Miller, AICP, is the Director of Planning, Zoning, and Building for DeKalb County, Illinois. In this capacity, he oversees all planning, zoning, subdivision and construction activity in unincorporated DeKalb County. As Director of the DeKalb County Regional Planning Commission, he coordinates meetings and work projects for the County and its 14 municipalities. Prior to starting with DeKalb County in 1996, he was the Village Planner for Glen Ellyn, Illinois for five years.